Tel Aviv, October 26, 2024: According to officials, Israel issued a warning to Iran through intermediaries before launching airstrikes, aiming to limit the exchange of hostilities and avert a broader conflict. Israel reportedly specified which targets would and would not be hit, cautioning Iran against retaliation and underscoring that further escalation would provoke a more significant Israeli response.
Iranian Casualties and Impact of Strikes
In Tehran, Iranian authorities reported that the strikes killed two soldiers at military sites, contradicting initial reports of “limited damage.” Israel confirmed its airstrikes targeted multiple missile manufacturing facilities, installations, and other strategic sites across several regions. In a statement, the Israeli military warned Iran that it would “pay a heavy price” if it retaliated.
Israel’s Airstrikes Extend to Syria
Israel also conducted airstrikes on military installations in central and southern Syria, including the capital Damascus, early Saturday, as reported by Syrian state news agency SANA. Syrian air defenses responded, intercepting missiles launched from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Lebanese airspace.
Travel Disruptions and Security Concerns
In response to the escalating regional tensions, Emirati airline flydubai canceled flights to Jordan, Iran, Iraq, and Israel on Saturday, diverting other routes as a precautionary measure. This decision followed Saturday morning’s Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
British PM Calls for Restraint
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also urged restraint, emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense while calling for de-escalation across the region. “Iran should not respond,” he stated at a press conference, adding that all parties should act with caution to avoid further regional instability.
